WOW to think that we have to take such strong meds, for are pain

I was ask about taking this and after someone I knew killed them self after being on it, just freaks me out

My Dad took Methadone for his cancer pain.

The Hospice nurse explained that it isn't for immediate relief. It actually takes about 3 hours to work. It builds up in the blood over time to manage your pain.

She did say that taking more than recommended by your doc could kill a person that wasn't used to it.

Good luck to you.

Feel like such a failure- Took half the pill..made me dizzy and anxious cause I couldnt take my xanax. Finally wore off around 12am -took my xanax and had a very weird restless type sleep. Don't want to do it again- just stinks that we have to deal with this. I JUST WANT TO BE NORMAL! I am mad at myself for not being able to do this

Debbie, Jim takes his zanax with methadone. Are they wanting you to titrate the methadone first before adding in the zanax? I'm sorry you had such a bad night. Maybe give the pharmacy or your doctor a call and ask if you can take your zanax and if what you experienced was a side effect of the two together?

Debbie,

What happened is in no way the result of you being a "failure." It just points out (to all of us!) that everyone reacts differently. This will be especially true with the handful of other drugs many of us are. I'm glad you gave it a try, though. This can be important information to the doctor for other, future, prescriptions. Be sure to let him/her know exactly what happened. Make notes as detailed as possible right away, before memory fades from the particulars.

This is also a reminder to everyone to make sure every doctor and pharmacist you deal with knows everything you take, even over-the-counter medications. Prescribing is a real tricky balancing act.

I am glad you are OK now! Good luck,

Mike

Based upon my experience, all should set aside any stigmas attached to the use of Methadone to take advantage of it's unique properties in the battle against neuropathic pain. As most know, opiods are not very effective for controlling the large amouts of pain associated with RSD and even when getting on very large doses, the pain management is usually only adequate at best for a limited period of time. Methadone is unique in that while it is a narcotic and provides pain relief, it also effects the NMDA receptor of the brain, currently believed to be one of the major receptors, thus enablers, of neuropathic pain. This is why KETAMINE is so popular for the treatment of RSD, 'cause it is a strong blocker of the NMDA receptor as a primary mechanism of action. So, for those who are looking at Ketamine but are worried about the stigma of Methadone, look towards this cheaper alternative that is more available and for which doctors understand more and are more open to the real uses. Methadone is one of the most studied drugs around and despite the current abuses making things difficult for patients (as usual) it remains a great weapon against pain.